Amidst recent uncertainty in Georgia’s paper industry, the International Paper mill in Coosa, in neighboring Floyd County, will remain fully operational, company officials have confirmed. This assurance comes as a significant relief to the local community following news of the closure of two major International Paper facilities in Coastal Georgia.

According to Hometown Headlines, the Coosa mill, a cornerstone of the region’s economy, is not affected by the broader company restructuring. This decision safeguards approximately 550 to 560 direct jobs and a vast network of indirect employment in the area.

International Paper announced last Thursday its plans to close two pulp and paper mills in Coastal Georgia – facilities in Savannah and Riceboro, along with the company’s Savannah packaging facility – by the end of next month. These closures are expected to put about 1,100 employees out of work and will result in a net reduction of International Paper’s annual containerboard capacity by about 1 million tons.

However, the Coosa plant, which marked its 70th anniversary in December, stands separate from these restructuring efforts. Its continued operation is vital for the Northwest Georgia logging and timber industry.

Beyond its direct workforce, the Coosa mill supports numerous peripheral jobs across various sectors. This includes critical roles in lumber operations, forestry services, and the transportation industry, with the plant receiving an estimated 300 wood truck deliveries daily.

For those impacted by the closures in Coastal Georgia, Tom Hamic, president of International Paper’s North America Packing Solutions business, stated that the company would offer severance packages along with outplacement assistance for eligible employees.

While other parts of the state face economic adjustments, the confirmation from International Paper ensures the sustained presence of its Coosa mill, maintaining a crucial industrial and employment anchor for Northwest Georgia.